My dear family in the Lord,
I hope you know how much I love and appreciate you. It was wonderful to see the body of Christ rally to provide a treat for the Dads last Sunday. Thank you to all who contributed to make the Coffee and Cake “parade” possible.
I was disappointed to hear the Premier’s announcement that the lockdown will be continued into October. While this is not what we were hoping for, I guess we must understand that it is probably better to extend things at this stage for a short while, than to open up the state and then have to close things down again. Whatever we think, this is the way it is for now, and so we need to ride out another few weeks. I was pondering this, and heard the Holy Spirit clearly say to me, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” So, I looked up where that statement is made, and found it in the book of Nehemiah. In chapter 8, Ezra the priest called a national assembly including all the men, women and children old enough to understand, and began reading the book of the law to the people. (Just an interesting side note – this was in the month of October in the Hebrew calendar). They had an amazing meeting, praising the Lord and listening to His word read and explained. They wept over the words and repented in their heart. What a great day of national revival! Then it says in verse 9, “Nehemiah the Governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.: Nehemiah continued….. “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods …don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” They celebrated with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them.”
I know that is not how I felt when I heard the announcement on Sunday. But I had to remind myself, that whatever the circumstances, I must go to the Lord’s word for my information – this is what I will believe, this is what I will think about, and this is what my feelings will trust in. I will joy in the God of my Salvation – God the Lord is my strength. I will follow Paul’s example to “rejoice always, pray always, and give thanks continually, for this is God’s will for me in Christ Jesus.” Let us try not to let these disruptive times disrupt our heart attitude. Let us continue to keep our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy on the other side. We need to remember that this time of trouble and inconvenience will come to an end, and we will come out the other side in tact if we keep our eyes on Jesus… not just in tact, but overcoming, growing stronger and ready for what lies ahead. Let’s encourage one another with words of cheer and comfort from God’s word over the coming days.
Please remember to pray for our federal, state and local leaders. These are tough times and require our earnest prayers. Remember we pray from our position in Christ – in heavenly places!! Please also keep the chaplaincy in your prayers, as there are discussions at state level to remove chaplaincy from state schools.
Please call, or email if you would like to chat, or need prayer. I know this has been a tough time. But God is still good.
God is still with us, and He will keep us in His care.
Love and blessings,
Glenda.